Dramatic Stoppage-Time Strike Seals Hungarian Comeback in 2-2 Thriller

In a match that encapsulated the very essence of footballing drama, a 91st-minute goal from Dominik Szoboszlai secured a hard-fought 2-2 draw for Hungary against a star-studded Portugal side, in a game that swung relentlessly until the final whistle.

The match, which seemed destined for a narrow Portuguese victory, was turned on its head in a breathtaking finale, leaving fans of both nations breathless and ensuring the points were shared in a memorable encounter.

Early Shock for Portugal

The home side was stunned early on when Hungary took a surprising lead in the 8th minute. From a well-worked corner, captain Dominik Szoboszlai delivered a pinpoint cross, finding Attila Szalai who powered a close-range header past Diogo Costa, sending the Hungarian fans into raptures.

Portugal, boasting a lineup featuring the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes, seemed rattled but began to exert their quality, probing for an equalizer.

Ronaldo Turns the Tide

The momentum shifted decisively just after the hour mark of the first half. In the 22nd minute, Cristiano Ronaldo found the net, tapping in from close range after a assist from Nélson Semedo to level the score.

Just as the first half entered added time, the iconic number 7 struck again. A teasing cross from Nuno Mendes found Ronaldo in the heart of the box, and he made no mistake, firing home from point-blank range to give Portugal a 2-1 lead heading into the break.

A Frantic Second Half

The second period was a story of near-misses and resilient defending. Portugal pushed to extend their lead, with Rúben Dias rattling the post and João Félix, who came on as a substitute, forcing a superb save from Hungarian goalkeeper Balázs Tóth.

Hungary, however, refused to surrender. They created chances of their own, with Szoboszlai testing Costa and Attila Szalai seeing a powerful header crash against the crossbar in the 72nd minute, a let-off that seemed to signal it was Portugal’s day.

Stoppage-Time Heartbreak and Elation

As the clock ticked into the 91st minute, with the fourth official having signaled only three minutes of added time, Hungary launched one final, desperate attack. Substitute Dániel Lukács found space on the right and whipped a dangerous cross into the six-yard box. There, arriving with perfect timing, was Dominik Szoboszlai, who slid in to guide the ball home with his left foot, sending the Hungarian bench and supporters into absolute pandemonium.

The drama wasn’t over. In the dying seconds, Portugal nearly stole the win, but a left-footed shot from João Félix was comfortably saved, and a late foul by the goal-scorer Lukács earned him a yellow card but effectively killed the remaining moments.

What This Result Means

The 2-2 draw feels like a victory for a resilient Hungarian side, who fought until the very last second to earn a crucial point against one of the tournament favorites. For Portugal, it will be a case of two points dropped after leading so deep into the match, a stark reminder of the fine margins at the highest level of international football.

While Cristiano Ronaldo’s brace will grab headlines, it was Dominik Szoboszlai’s leadership and last-gasp heroics that ultimately defined this unforgettable clash, a match that had everything: goals, woodwork, saves, and a finish that will be talked about for years to come.